Why Partnerships with Industry are Unrealistic

More and more experts continue to speak out on the systemic ineffectiveness of partnering with the food industry in the name of health. In this article from The Guardian, Professor Terence Stephenson (chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges) says:

“Asking the food and drink industry to voluntarily promote healthy living when much of the food they are selling is unhealthy is simply unrealistic. What’s the incentive for fast food manufacturers to promote healthy eating when they’re making huge profits from high-calorie foods and drinks? It’s like asking petrol companies to encourage people to cycle or walk rather than use their cars.”

The food industry’s desire to “sit at the table” is not to contribute like-minded solutions, but rather to have a voice that will push back on any policy they see as a threat to their bottom line.

We have yet to come up with a single example of significant and relevant progress that has been achieved in the name of public health through a partnership with the food industry.

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